Elkins man arrested after high-speed chase

Justin Andrew Morgan, 27, was arrested Tuesday for reckless driving and intentionally attempting to flee in a vehicle from a law enforcement officer while operating the vehicle in a manner showing reckless indifference to the safety of others, a felony.

The maximum penalty for these charges carries a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $2,000 and one to five years in a state correctional facility.

Elkins City Police Officer Corporal C.D. Cross attempted to stop Morgan, who the officer said was allegedly traveling 60 m.p.h. on a motorcycle on the Beverly Five-Lane at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, heading toward Elkins.

According to the criminal complaint, Cross turned on his lights to signal Morgan to pull over, and the motorcycle began to weave recklessly through traffic in both northbound lanes, increasing in speed to 75 m.p.h. Cross wrote that Morgan refused to stop and turned left onto Wilcox Street, then failed to stop at the stop sign on Wilcox and Barron Avenue.

Following this, Cross said Morgan continued on Barron Avenue, and turned onto 11th Street without stopping at the stop sign. Next, Morgan turned onto Cole Avenue and attempted to turn right onto 12th Street, when Morgan lost control and laid the bike down on its side, ending the pursuit, the complaint states.

Morgan was transported to Davis Memorial Hospital for treatment of cuts and abrasions to his right knee, forearm and wrist caused by the crash. The complaint noted that Morgan did not appear to be under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. Morgan possesses a valid West Virginia motorcycle instruction permit. The motorcycle was properly registered and contains a valid insurance card, the complaint stated.